I’m tired of hearing about it. We talk about it way too much. And the worst part is, when lost people visit our church they don’t understand it, get confused by it and sometimes offended that we would even bring it up. We talk about it so much I’m kind of ashamed to bring my lost friends to church. Besides, I’m already doing it. I know what I need to know. I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. I really don’t need another sermon about it. I support what’s going on. I am an obedient follower.

What am I talking about? Evangelism, yup, the big ‘E’ – I can understand why people get anxious when we talk about the need for every Believer to know what Christ has done for them and to be active in sharing their faith with others. Boldly speaking the truth of God’s Word in love to the people around you is not an easy thing to do. Talking about sin in someone’s life is not exactly the most common of water cooler discussions. The topic itself to a lost person is pretty offensive. “Who are you to tell me I’m not good enough for God? Who made you the authority on how to get to heaven? Why should I trust in something I can’t even see? After all, every Christian I’ve met is either a hypocrite or selling something.” The objections of lost people to the gospel go on and on. So, can’t we spend our time as a church focused on something a bit more ‘user friendly’? I don’t see why we need to belabor the point.

Besides, I already know how to share the gospel and I do it as often as God provides the opportunity. See, I grew up in church. I know EE, CWT, The Roman Road, Share Jesus Without Fear, the Bridge to Life, the ABC’s, 4 Spiritual Laws, and FAITH. You name the program and I’ve been part of it, probably even taught it, so I’m already proficient at sharing the gospel. I know what I need to know. I’m doing what I need to do. We really don’t need to spend so much time talking about it.

Sounds absurd doesn’t it? The Bible speaks clearly of God’s vision for us in regards to evangelism. The value God places on our role in sharing the gospel with the world is unquestionable. He tells us to go make disciples. He has made clear our purpose as Believers, to be witnesses to the world of the manifold grace of God. I’m not overstating it when I say that you can judge a person’s passion for God by how committed that person is to sharing the love of God, the good new of salvation through Jesus Christ, with the lost world. Evangelism is not about making a church bigger. It’s not about making a church more influential. Evangelism is a spiritual matter. It’s a matter of the heart that affects every area of a person’s life. As an obedient follower I share my faith as often as possible. I’ve made adjustments to my life style so that when I tell a lost person about the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ they are willing to listen. Not because I’m some kind of expert, but because they see in me a faith that is credible.

When Mike Napier talks about FAITH, when Pastor encourages the people of our church to learn how to share the gospel and participate in FAITH, when another Believer or church member asks my opinion of evangelism, I don’t shrink from the opportunity to tell them about the blessings God has poured into my life and my family because in this area I’ve been an obedient follower. As a matter of fact these words of life excite me. When I hear Pastor encourage the people of our church to know and share the gospel I’m ready with a hearty ‘amen’. When I hear that Rick Cuccio has led someone else to the Lord, when I see another one baptized, when I discover that in Mexico this year someone not only received a new home, they also received a home in heaven, I am filled with joy!At this point I stop being an obedient follower and I take another step of faith. I become an active leader.

As an active leader I look for opportunities to add value to the people God brings across my path. Sometimes this means offering a smile, a prayer, or a word of encouragement. Sometimes it means I share a testimony with them how God has blessed my obedience in evangelism. There are Believers and members in our church who aren’t yet comfortable sharing the gospel. The fact that they don’t share affects us all. I don’t question their devotion to Christ. It simply means they haven’t yet discovered the joy and blessing of simple obedience to God in this area of their lives. As an active leader my responsibility is to meet them where they are and help guide them to where they should be. And so every time my pastor speaks of evangelism I will be on the front row passionately affirming the value of one more soul saved. I will enthusiastically support every “All on the Altar” service where people are challenged to give their time to learning and sharing the gospel through FAITH. In Romans 1 Paul says, “As much as is in me I am ready to preach the gospel…” I’m with Paul. I’m ready to preach the gospel. I’m anxious to encourage others to the do the same. It’s a spiritual matter, really, a matter of the heart. In this and every way of righteousness I will be more than an obedient follower. I will be an active leader. Won’t you join me?

Love y’all, God Bless,

Chad

Notes to Notice

LIFE CHANGE – March 4th

Sunday, March 4th we’ll be sharing in our service stories of Life Change. We would love for you to be involved. Be at the ALL TOGETHER REHEARSAL tonight to learn more!

MARCH 9, 2007 – CLOSE CONCERT ROAD TRIP!

Hosted by NewSong, featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, Sanctus Real, Britt Nicole, Tony Nolan, and John Morgan; meet at the church at 5:00pm, we’ll go together. Tickets are $10, that night at the door. Bring a little extra $$$ we’ll get a bite to eat after the concert Sign up with Brenda. For information on the concert visit http://jamtour.com

Sunday, April 8th – Our Services Caffeinated! Every Easter more people come visit us than any other Sunday of the year. So let’s make the most of this opportunity. We’ll do three services with an overflow venue in the EducationCenter led by a Praise Team. Jennifer Berry, 2006 Miss America will be here to share how God has made a difference in her life. And the Celebration Choir, Praise Band, Praise Teams and Instrumental Ensemble will all lead out in an incredible time of praise. We’ll be preparing for this Easter every Wednesday night this semester. Make plans now to be here and to lead well!

THE GOAL OF CAM

The goal of the Christians Arts Ministry is worship. Our desire is to teach Believers to delight the heart of the Father with every area of our lives, passionately expressing our love for God through the use of every talent and resource He’s given us for His glory and His pleasure.

Pray like this: “What a privilege to pray for our moms and dads. Bless Ruthie with good health. Help her family to know how to best care for her. Help her to know the purpose you have for her in this.”

Marla Ferguson – Kolby King was received this weekend as our new Children’s Minister with 100% approval!

PRAISE: “We have a new Children’s Pastor! Thank you, Jesus for bringing the right family to lead our children, their parents and the volunteers who serve!”

Vanessa Kehl – Great Niece, Isabella, 5 months old – health problems.

Pray like this: “Father, bring healing to the Vanessa’s niece, bring comfort to the family.”

Tony Foster – Surgery.

Pray like this: “Father, do a miraculous work in his life and the life of his family. Let it be known that you are healer and provider for Tony Foster.”

Pray like this: “Dear Lord Jesus, open the eyes of Becky’s heart. Help her to hear, see, know and understand the gospel and why it’s important. Bring people into her life to continually plant, water and care for the seeds of faith in her life. Grow faith in her. Let her mom and dad know the right things to say and do to demonstrate your loving kindness and salvation.”